Instagram Use, Instagram-related Conflict, and Negative Relationship Outcomes among Undergraduates of Redeemer's University, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Young adults' exposure to social networking sites such as Instagram is increasing and so is the potential of the use of such sites to complicate intimate relationships. Limited empirical evidence exists on social media use, social media related conflicts, and intimate relationship outcomes among young adults. Hence, this study examined whether the use of Instagram by young adults who are in romantic relationships have an impact on their relationship outcomes as reported by 249 undergraduates of Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State. this study specifically examined the mediational effect of Instagram-related conflict on the relationship between active Instagram use and negative relationship outcomes. A set of regression and mediation analyses confirmed all the hypotheses. Findings revealed that active Instagram use influences and can predict Instagram-related conflict and negative relationship outcomes among young adults in romantic relationships. In addition, Instagram-related conflict mediates the relationship between active Instagram use and negative relationship outcomes. The results have implications for romantic relationships and Instagram users in general.